Meet Darnell Smith | Owner of Grey Goat Transportation

We had the good fortune of connecting with Darnell Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darnell, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was raised in Northeast Denver, my parents divorced when I was still in elementary school but they were both still very involved in my upbringing. I have an older brother with whom I’ve always had a close relationship with he’s both very vocal and influential in my life. Despite overwhelming family support I still made some bad and confrontational decisions in my adolescences.The lure of fast money and street life persuaded me, and I dedicated a lot of blood sweat and tears to negativity. My sister and younger brother were born in the early 90’s and soon after I began to have children of my own at this point in my life I was heavy into gangs drugs and violence trying to transition into adulthood but at the same time arrogant because of the respect I was given in my neighborhood, my younger brother began to follow in my footsteps, he was murdered at the age of 18 that was a heavy toll on me mentally, physically and emotionally. I had to make a change for my children, for my family, for myself. I gradually began to separate myself from certain associates, locations and situations, I began working various jobs left Denver for a couple of years, upon my return I had an idea but not yet a plan. I contacted a good friend who was there for me when I lost my little brother. He through his program Cross Purpose helped me obtain my Commercial Drivers License (CDL) and acquire an LLC

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My determination and the will not to give up sets me apart. I have overcome adversity in my life from growing up in the not so safe and most aspiring neighborhoods to being a stand up individual, father and professional. I have been able to accomplish working full-time and successfully starting a trucking company that I always desired to have. No matter what the nay sayers said I always continue to push forward to the path that God has set out for me. I have learned most to not give up on myself, regardless of how tough the road may get I have allowed the motivation of myself and others to help me push forward. I want the world to know no matter your background or upbringing your dreams can be accomplished no matter how big or small they are.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We would first go on a ride around the city on motorcycles and head toward Blackhawk do some sight seeing and possibly some minimal gambling. We would go eat at the infamous Creamery and Genna Raes both located on the East Side and Santiagos in Aurora. We do some more driving around the city to visit some of my old stomping grounds like the Five Points and 16th Street Mall. We would do some shopping downtown, Aurora Town Center Mall and Colorado Mills.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family, my parents, brothers, sister and my children. My Cross Purpose family, Change Agency coaches & teammates and my church Praises of Deliverance.

Website: www.Greygoattransport.com

Image Credits
Personal photo is my company logo Grey Goat Transportation LLC. Additional photo is of my little brother DaQuan Smith (Rest In Peace). P.S. I will email additional personal photos since the system would not let me upload the ones I wanted.